Synopses & Reviews
When Ava and her sister Arlie see the "Write a Poem / Win a Pet" sign in Mr. Noah's pet shop window, Ava is sure the prize is going to be a dog and convinces Arlie to enter the contest with her. The girls write the best poem they can, and while waiting and hoping to win, they decide that "Lucille" would be the perfect name for a dog. But when Mr. Noah finally announces that they have won, Ava is so disappointed when she sees the prize, a parakeet, that she says, "You're not the real Lucille!" Ava must discover for herself that with a little patience, a little imagination, and a lot of love, her new pet will be every bit as much fun as a dog—and a fine friend besides.
Review
"Endearing.”—Publishers Weekly "Lucille is the real deal." —Kirkus
Review
“Many kids will relate to Avas craving for a canine…”--BCCB "Endearing.”—Publishers Weekly "Lucille is the real deal." —Kirkus
"Reads aloud well . . . A warm story with its own quirky charm." -- Booklist
About the Author
CARI BEST has written many award-winning picture books, including Sally Jean, the Bicycle Queen, a School Library Journal Best Book of the Year; Are You Going to be Good?, a Parents Choice Award Winner; and most recently, Easy as Pie. Ms. Best lives in Weston, Connecticut.
MADELINE VALENTINE is the illustrator of Albertines Got Talent by Shena Power. She lives in Brooklyn, New York.